Hydraulic composition

ABSTRACT

A hydraulic composition of the present invention includes (A) 100 parts by weight of cement having a Blaine specific surface area of 2,500 to 5,000 cm 2 /g, (B) 10 to 40 parts by weight of fine particles having a BET specific surface area of 5 to 25 m 2 /g, and (C) 15 to 55 parts by weight of inorganic particles having a Blaine specific surface area which is 2,500 to 30,000 cm 2 /g and which is larger than that of the cement. The inorganic particles (C) may comprise 10 to 50 parts by weight of inorganic particles (C1) having a Blaine specific surface area of 5,000 to 30,000 cm 2 /g and 5 to 35 parts by weight of inorganic particles (C2) having a Blaine specific surface area of 2,500 to 5,000 cm 2 /g.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a hydraulic composition, which has aself-filling property (i.e. excellent fluidity and material separationresistance) and is excellent in workability before hardening and whichhas excellent mechanical properties (i.e. compressive strength, bendingstrength and the like) after hardening.

BACKGROUND OF ART

Conventionally, cement-based materials (i.e. concrete and the like)having excellent mechanical properties (i.e. compressive strength,bending strength and the like) have been developed.

For example, in the “Claims” of Japanese Patent Publication No.59182/1985, a hydraulic composite material which includes “inorganicsolid particles A” having a diameter of 50 Å to 0.5 μm (for example,silica dust particles), “solid particles B” having a diameter which is0.5 to 100 μm and which is larger than that of “particles A” at least byone order (for example, particles including at least 20 weight % ofportland cement), a surface-activating dispersant (for example, aconcrete superplasticizer such as a highly condensed naphthalenesulfonic acid/formaldehyde condensate), and an “additional material C”(for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of sand,stone, metallic fibers and the like).

The hydraulic composite material described in this gazette hascompressive strength of at least 100 MPa after hardening and hasexcellent mechanical properties (see Table 1 in the sixty-third columnin page 32 of the gazette).

Generally, a cement composition (for example, concrete and the like)having excellent mechanical properties (i.e. compressive strength,bending strength and the like) as described in the above-mentionedgazette has the following advantages.

(a) When a building or the like is constructed by using the cementcomposition having excellent mechanical properties in a method ofcast-in-place, concrete layers can be thin. Thus the reduction of theamount of concrete, the saving of labor, the cost reduction, theincrease of available space and the like can be achieved.

(b) When a precast member is produced by using the cement compositionhaving excellent mechanical properties, the precast member can be thin.Thus the weight reduction, the easiness of transportation andconstruction, and the like can be achieved.

(c) Wear resistance, durability against neutralization or creeping, andthe like can be improved.

The hydraulic composite material described in the above-mentionedJapanese Patent Publication No. 59182/1985 can be preferably used inview of the advantages (a)-(c).

However, it is further desired that a self-filling property is achievedin addition to the properties of the hydraulic composite materialdescribed in the above-mentioned gazette.

Namely, when a building or the like is constructed in a method ofcast-in-place, or when a precast member is produced, it is advantageousthat a hydraulic composite material having excellent fluidity andmaterial separation resistance (namely, a hydraulic composite materialhaving a self-filling property) is used in view of the reduction of thetime required for casting a hydraulic composition such as concrete andthe like, and the reduction of the time required for applying vibrationto the concrete or the like after casting.

On this point, it is difficult to improve both the properties beforehardening such as fluidity and material separation resistance, and themechanical properties after hardening such as compressive strength,bending strength and the like simultaneously with regard to thehydraulic composite material disclosed in the above-mentioned JapanesePatent Publication No. 59182/1985. For example, when compressivestrength over 130 MPa is desired, or when fibers are blended forimproving bending strength, the ratio of water/binding material must beno larger than 0.20. Thus the fluidity lowers, and a self-fillingproperty cannot be achieved. On the other hand, when a self-fillingproperty is attempted to be obtained, the ratio of water/bindingmaterial, and the amount of a water reducing agent increase so greatlythat it is difficult to express compressive strength over 130 MPa.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

In view of the above-mentioned problems, the object of the presentinvention is to provide a hydraulic composition which is excellent influidity and material separation resistance and has a self-fillingproperty before hardening, and which has excellent mechanical properties(i.e. compressive strength, bending strength and the like) such ascompressive strength over 130 MPa after hardening.

In order to achieve the above object, a hydraulic composition of thepresent invention includes (A) 100 parts by weight of cement having aBlaine specific surface area of 2,500 to 5,000 cm²/g, (B) 10 to 40 partsby weight of fine particles having a BET specific surface area of 5 to25 m²/g, (C) 15 to 55 parts by weight of inorganic particles having aBlaine specific surface area which is 2,500 to 30,000 cm²/g and which islarger than that of the cement, a water reducing agent, and water.

The hydraulic composition which is constructed as described above has aself-filling property (i.e. excellent fluidity and material separationresistance) and exhibits excellent workability before hardening, andexpresses excellent mechanical properties (i.e. compressive strength,bending strength and the like) such as compressive strength over 130 MPaafter hardening.

The hydraulic composition of the present invention includes anembodiment in which the inorganic particles (C) comprise 10 to 50 partsby weight of inorganic particles A (C1) having a Blaine specific surfacearea of 5,000 to 30,000 cm²/g, and 5 to 35 parts by weight of inorganicparticles B (C2) having a Blaine specific surface area of 2,500 to 5,000cm²/g. In this way, by using two kinds of inorganic particles havingdifferent Blaine specific surface areas, workability and a strengthexpressing property (the rate of strength gain) can be improved.

The hydraulic composition of the present invention includes anembodiment in which the inorganic particles (C1) have a Blaine specificsurface area larger than those of the cement and the inorganic particles(C2), and the difference of Blaine specific surface area of the cementand the inorganic particles (C1) is at least 100 cm²/g. In this way,workability and a strength expressing property can be further improved.

Also, the hydraulic composition of the present invention includes anembodiment in which the inorganic particles (C1) have a Blaine specificsurface area larger than those of the cement particles and the inorganicparticles (C2) by at least 1,000 cm²/g. In this way, workability and astrength expressing property can be further improved.

The hydraulic composition of the present invention may includeaggregates (D) having a particle size of no larger than 2 mm in anamount of no larger than 130 parts by weight.

It is preferable that the aggregates (D) include particles having aparticle size of no larger than 75 μm in an amount of no larger than 2.0weight %. In this way, workability and a strength expressing propertycan be further improved.

The hydraulic composition of the present invention may further includemetallic fibers. Properties such as bending strength and the like can beimproved by blending metallic fibers.

The hydraulic composition of the present invention may further includeorganic fibers and/or carbon fibers. Properties such as fracture energyand the like can be improved by blending organic fibers and/or carbonfibers.

The hydraulic composition of the present invention may be prepared so asto have a flow value of at least 230 mm before hardening, and havecompressive strength of at least 130 MPa and bending strength of atleast 15 MPa after hardening.

Also, the hydraulic composition of the present invention may be preparedso as to have fracture energy of at least 10 KJ/m² after hardening. Inorder to express such large fracture energy, it is effective that theorganic fibers and/or carbon fibers as described above are blended.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention will be explained in more detail in the followingdescription.

Examples of the cement (A) used in the present invention include variouskinds of portland cements such as ordinary portland cement,high-early-strength portland cement, moderate-heat portland cement, andlow-heat portland cement.

In the present invention, when high rate of strength gain in the earlystage is desired, it is preferable to use high-early-strength portlandcement. Also, when high fluidity of the hydraulic composition isdesired, it is preferable to use moderate-heat portland cement orlow-heat portland cement.

The Blaine specific surface area of the cement is 2,500 to 5,000 cm²/g,preferably 3,000 to 4,500 cm²/g. When the value is less than 2,500cm²/g, the hydration reaction becomes inactive, resulting in thatcompressive strength over 130 MPa may be difficult to obtain, and otherdisadvantages may occur. If the value is over 5,000 cm²/g, it takes alot of time to grind the cement. Also, the degree of shrinkage afterhardening increases, because a large amount of water is necessary forobtaining predetermined degree of fluidity. Further, other disadvantagesmay occur.

Examples of the fine particles (B) used in the present invention includesilica fume, silica dust, fly ash, slag, volcanic ash, silica sol,precipitated silica and the like.

Generally, silica fume and silica dust are preferably used as the fineparticles (B) of the present invention, because each of them has a BETspecific surface area of 5 to 25 m²/g, and do not have the necessity ofgrinding and the like.

The BET specific surface area of the fine particles (B) is 5 to 25 m²/g,preferably 8 to 25 m²/g. When the value is less than 5 m²/g, compressivestrength over 130 MPa may be difficult to obtain due to the lack ofcompactness of the particles of the hydraulic composition. Also, otherdisadvantages may occur. When the value is over 25 m²/g, compressivestrength over 130 MPa may be difficult to obtain, because a large amountof water is necessary for obtaining predetermined degree of fluidity.Further, other disadvantages may occur.

The amount of the fine particles (B) is 10 to 40 parts by weight,preferably 25 to 40 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of thecement. If the amount does not lie within 10 to 40 parts by weight,fluidity extremely lowers.

The inorganic particles (C) used in the present invention is inorganicparticles except cement particles, and the examples of the inorganicparticles (C) include slag, limestone powder, feldspar, mullite, aluminapowder, quartz powder, fly ash, volcanic ash, silica sol, carbide power,nitride power, and the like. Among them, slag, limestone powder andquartz powder are preferably used in view of cost and the stability ofquality after hardening.

The Blaine specific surface area of the inorganic particles (C) is 2,500to 30,000 cm²/g, preferably 4,500 to 20,000 cm²/g, and is larger thanthat of the cement particles.

When the Blaine specific surface area of the inorganic particles (C) isless than, 2,500 cm²/g, it may be difficult to obtain a self-fillingproperty, because the difference of Blaine specific surface area betweenthe inorganic particles (C) and the cement may be small. Also, otherdisadvantages may occur. When the Blaine specific surface area of theinorganic particles (C) is larger than 30,000 cm²/g, it may be difficultto produce the inorganic particles (C) due to much labor for grinding tobe required for obtaining such a small fineness. Also, it may bedifficult to obtain predetermined degree of fluidity. Further, otherdisadvantages may occur.

Because the inorganic particles (C) have a Blaine specific surface arealarger than that of the cement, the particle size of the inorganicparticles (C) is small enough to fill pore spaces between the cementparticles and the fine particles. Thus, excellent properties including aself-filling property can be obtained.

The difference of Blaine specific surface area between the inorganicparticles (C) and the cement is preferably not less than 1,000 cm²/g andmore preferably not less than 2,000 cm²/g in view of workability (i.e.easiness of casting and the like) before hardening and a strengthexpressing property after hardening.

The amount of the inorganic particles (C) based on 100 parts by weightof the cement is 15 to 55 parts by weight, preferably 20 to 50 parts byweight. When the amount does not lie within 15 to 55 parts by weight,workability extremely lowers.

In the present invention, the inorganic particles (C) may comprise twokinds of inorganic particles, namely, inorganic particles (C1) andinorganic particles (C2).

In this case, inorganic particles (C1) and inorganic particles (C2) canbe prepared from the same material (for example, limestone powder), orcan be prepared from different kinds of materials (for example,limestone powder and quartz powder).

The inorganic particles (C1) have a Blaine specific surface area of5,000 to 30,000 cm²/g, preferably 6,000 to 20,000 cm²/g. Also, theinorganic particles (C1) have a Blaine specific surface area larger thanthose of the cement and the inorganic particles (C2).

When the Blaine specific surface area of the inorganic particles (C1) isless than 5,000 cm²/g, the difference between the Blaine specificsurfaces area of the inorganic particles (C1) and those of the cementand the inorganic particles (C2) is small, and undesirable resultsoccur. For example, the effect of improving workability and the like maybe small compared to the effect obtained by using a single kind ofinorganic particle. Also, preparing for two kinds of inorganic particlestakes much time and labor, and this is undesirable. When the Blainespecific surface area of the inorganic particles (C1) is larger than30,000 cm²/g, it may be difficult to prepare the inorganic particles(C1), because it takes much time and labor for grinding. Also, highfluidity may be difficult to obtain. Further, other disadvantages mayoccur.

Also, because the inorganic particles (C1) have a Blaine specificsurface area larger than those of the cement and the inorganic particles(C2), the particle size of the inorganic particles (C1) is small enoughto fill pore spaces between the cement and the fine particles (B). Thus,more excellent properties such as a self-filling property can beobtained.

The difference between the Blaine specific surface area of the inorganicparticles (C1) and that of the cement or the inorganic particles (C2)(in other words, the difference between the Blaine specific surface areaof the inorganic particles (C1) and the larger one selected from theBlaine specific surface area of the cement and that of the inorganicparticles (C2)) is preferably not less than 1,000 cm²/g, more preferablynot less than 2,000 cm²/g, in view of workability (easiness of castingand the like) before hardening and a strength expressing property afterhardening

The Blaine specific surface area of the inorganic particles (C2) is2,500 to 5,000 cm²/g. Also, the difference of Blaine specific surfacearea between the cement and the inorganic particles (C2) is preferablynot less than 100 cm²/g, more preferably not less than 200 cm²/g in viewof workability (easiness of casting and the like) before hardening and astrength expressing property after hardening.

When the Blaine specific surface area of the inorganic particles (C2) isless than 2,500 cm²/g, it may be difficult to obtain a self-fillingproperty due to low fluidity, and other disadvantages may occur. Whenthe Blaine specific surface area of the inorganic particles (C2) islarger than 5,000 cm²/g, the Blaine specific surface area of theinorganic particles (C2) is so close to that of the inorganic particles(C1) that the effect of improving workability and the like may notincrease compared to that obtained by using a single kind of inorganicparticle. Also, preparing for two kinds of inorganic particles takesmuch time and labor. Further, other disadvantages may occur.

Also, when the difference of Blaine specific surface area between thecement and the inorganic particles (C2) is not less than 100 cm²/g, thecompactness of the particles of the hydraulic composition improves, andmore excellent properties such as a self-filling property can beobtained.

The amount of the inorganic particles (C1) based on 100 parts by weightof the cement is 10 to 50 parts by weight, preferably 15 to 40 parts byweight. The amount of the inorganic particles (C2) based on 100 parts byweight of the cement is 5 to 35 parts by weight, preferably 10 to 30parts by weight. When the amount of the inorganic particles (C1) or theinorganic particles (C2) does not lie within the above ranges, theeffect of improving workability and the like may not increase comparedto that obtained by using a single kind of inorganic particles. Also,preparing for two kinds of inorganic particles takes much time andlabor. These are undesirable.

The total amount of the inorganic particles (C1) and the inorganicparticles (C2) based on 100 parts by weight of the cement is 15 to 55parts by weight, preferably 25 to 50 parts by weight. When the totalamount does not lie within 15 to 55 parts by weight, workabilityextremely lowers.

Examples of the aggregates (D) used in the present invention includeriver sand, land sand, sea sand, crushed sand, silica sand, the mixturethereof, and the like.

It is preferable to use aggregates (D) having a particle diameter of nolarger than 2 mm. Here, the term “particle diameter” of the aggregatesmeans the 85% weight cumulative particle diameter. It is not preferablethat the particle diameter of the aggregates is larger than 2 mm,because mechanical properties after hardening deteriorate.

Also, it is preferable to use aggregates (D) having a particle size ofno larger than 75 μm in an amount of no larger than 2 weight %. It isnot preferable that the amount is larger than 2 weight %, becausefluidity and workability after hardening extremely deteriorate.

The maximum particle diameter of the aggregates used in the presentinvention is preferably not larger than 2 mm, and more preferably notlarger than 1.5 mm in view of strength expressing property afterhardening. Also, in view of fluidity and workability, it is morepreferable to use aggregates having a diameter of no larger than 75 μmin an amount of no larger than 1.5 weight %.

The amount of the aggregates based on 100 parts by weight of the totalamount of the cement, the fine particles and the inorganic particles ispreferably not larger than 130 parts by weight in view of workabilityand mechanical strength after hardening. In view of reduction ofautogenerous and drying shrinkage, and reduction of heat of hydration,the amount of the aggregates is more preferably 30 to 130 parts byweight, and most preferably 40 to 130 parts by weight

The hydraulic composition of the present invention may include metallicfibers' in view of improvement of bending strength and the like afterhardening.

Examples of the metallic fibers include steel fibers, stainless fibers,amorphous fibers and the like. Among them, steel fibers are preferablyused in view of strength, cost and availability. It is preferable thatthe metallic fibers have a diameter of 0.01 to 1.0 mm and a length of 2to 30 mm, and it is more preferable that metallic fibers have a diameterof 0.05 to 0.5 mm and a length of 5 to 25 mm in view of prevention ofmaterial separation in the hydraulic composition and improvement ofbending strength after hardening. Also, the aspect ratio (fiberlength/fiber diameter) of the metallic fibers is preferably 20 to 200,and more preferably 40 to 150.

It is preferable that the metallic fibers have a shape such as a spiralshape, a wavelike shape and the like which is capable of creatingphysical adhesive force. The metallic fibers having a shape such as aspiral shape and the like have an effect of improving bending strength,because high stress can be maintained while the metallic fibers andmatrix are pulled apart from each other.

Preferable examples of the metallic fibers include steel fibers whichhave a diameter of no larger than 0.5 mm and tensile strength of 1 to3.5 GPa, and which have surface adhesive strength to a hardened cementcomposition such as mortar (i.e. maximum tensile force per unit area ofthe surface between the steel fibers and the hardened cementcomposition) of at least 3 MPa, provided that the hardened cementcomposition has compressive strength of 180 MPa. In this embodiment, themetallic fiber can be formed in a wavelike shape or a spiral shape.Also, the metallic fiber can have grooves or projections for actingagainst movement from matrix (i.e. resistance to sliding in longitudinaldirection). Also, in this embodiment, the metallic fiber may have ametal layer on its surface (for example, a metal layer made of at leastone material selected from the group consisting of zinc, tin, copper,aluminum and the like), whose Young's modulus is smaller than that ofthe steel fiber.

The amount of the metallic fibers to be blended, which is designated asvolume percentage in the hydraulic composition (for example, acomposition comprising the cement, the fine particles, the inorganicparticles, the aggregates, the metallic fibers, water reducing agent andwater) is preferably not larger than 4%, more preferably 0.5 to 3%, mostpreferably 1 to 3%. It is not preferable that the amount is larger than4% for the following reasons. One reason is that it is necessary toincrease unit water volume for obtaining excellent workability and thelike while mixing. Other reason is that the reinforcing effect of themetallic fibers does not increase enough to commensurate with increasedcost of the metallic fibers. Other reason is that there is a tendencythat fiber balls are easy to generate in the hydraulic composition whilemixing.

The hydraulic composition of the present invention may include organicfibers and/or carbon fibers in view of improvement of fracture energyand the like after hardening.

Examples of the organic fibers used in the present invention includevinylon fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyethylene fibers, aramid fibersand the like. Examples of the carbon fibers include PAN carbon fibersand pitch carbon fibers. Among the examples of the organic fibers,vinylon fibers and/or polypropylene fibers are preferably used in viewof cost and availability.

It is preferable that the organic fibers and/or the carbon fibers have adiameter of 0.005 to 1.0 mm and a length of 2 to 30 mm, and it is morepreferable that the organic fibers and/or carbon fibers have a diameterof 0.01 to 0.5 mm and a length of 5 to 25 mm in view of prevention ofmaterial separation in the hydraulic composition and improvement offracture energy after hardening. Also, the aspect ratio (fiberlength/fiber diameter) of the organic fibers and/or the carbon fibers ispreferably 20 to 200, and more preferably 30 to 150.

The amount of the organic fibers and/or the carbon fibers to be blended,which is designated as volume percentage in the hydraulic composition(for example, a composition comprising the cement, the fine particles,the inorganic particles, the aggregates, the organic fibers and/or thecarbon fibers, a water reducing agent and water) is preferably 0.1 to10.0, %, more preferably 1.0 to 9.0%, and most preferably 2.0 to 8.0%.It is not preferable that the amount is less than 0.1%, because theorganic fibers and/or the carbon fibers may not improve fracture energyafter hardening sufficiently, and it may be difficult to obtain fractureenergy of at least 10.0 KJ/m². It is not preferable that the amount islarger than 10.0% for the following reasons. One reason is that it isnecessary to increase unit water volume for obtaining excellentworkability and the like while mixing. Other reason is that thereinforcing effect of the organic fibers and/or the carbon fibers doesnot increase enough to commensurate with increased cost of the organicfibers and/or the carbon fibers. Other reason is that there is atendency that fiber balls are easy to generate in the hydrauliccomposition while mixing.

The metallic fibers, and the organic fibers and/or the carbon fibers canbe used together.

In preparation of paste or mortar, a water reducing agent and water areblended into the above-described materials.

Examples of the water reducing agent include water reducing agents, airentraining water reducing agents, high range water reducing agents, andair entraining and high range water reducing agents. Examples ofeffective components of these water reducing agents include ligninderivatives, naphthalene sulfonic acid derivatives, melaminederivatives, polycarboxylic acid derivatives. Among the above-mentionedexamples, high range water reducing agents, and air entraining and highrange water reducing agents are preferably used in view of high waterreducing effect. Especially, high range water reducing agents, and airentraining and high range water reducing agents, which containpolycarboxylic acid derivatives, are most preferably used.

The amount of the water reducing agent, which is expressed in terms ofsolid content, based on 100 parts by weight of the total amount of thematerials (i.e. the cement, the fine particles and the inorganicparticles) is preferably 0.1 to 4.0 parts by weight, and more preferably0.3 to 2.0 parts by weight. When the amount is less than 0.1 parts byweight, it may be difficult to mix the hydraulic composition, andfluidity may be not high enough to obtain a self-filling property. Whenthe amount is larger than 4.0 parts by weight, material separation andextreme retardation of coagulation may occur, and mechanical propertiesafter hardening may deteriorate.

The water reducing agent can be used in liquid state as well as inpowdery state.

The amount of water for preparing paste or mortar based on 100 parts byweight of the total amount of the materials (i.e. the cement, the fineparticles and the inorganic particles) is preferably 10 to 30 parts byweight, and more preferably 12 to parts by weight. When the amount ofwater is less than 10 parts by weight, it may be difficult to mix thehydraulic composition, and fluidity may be not high enough to obtain aself-filling property. When the amount of water is larger than parts byweight, mechanical properties after hardening may deteriorate.

The flow value of paste or mortar before hardening is preferably notless than 230 mm, and more preferably not less than 240 mm.

Also, when the inorganic particles (C1) and the inorganic particles (C2)are used together as the inorganic particles (C), the flow value ofpaste or mortar before hardening is preferably not less than 240 mm, andmore preferably not less than 250 mm. Particularly, when the aggregatesinclude particles having a diameter of no larger than 75 μm in an amountof no larger than 2.0 weight %, the flow value is preferably not lessthan 250 mm, more preferably not less than 265 mm, and most preferablynot less than 280 mm. In this description, the term “flow value” means avalue to be determined by the method according to “JIS R 5201 (PhysicalTesting Methods for Cements) 11. Flow Test” in which 15-times droppingmotion is omitted.

Also, in the above-mentioned flow test, the time required for reaching200 mm with regard to flow value is preferably not larger than 10.5seconds, and more preferably not larger than 10.0 seconds. This value isused as a measure for evaluating workability and viscosity.

Compressive strength of paste or mortar after hardening is preferablynot less than 130 MPa, and more preferably not less than 140 MPa.

Bending strength of paste or mortar after hardening is preferably notless than 15 MPa, more preferably not less than 18 MPa, and mostpreferably not less than 20 MPa. Particularly, when the hydrauliccomposition includes the metallic fibers, bending strength of mortarafter hardening is preferably not less than 30 MPa, more preferably notless than 32 MPa, and most preferably not less than 35 MPa.

Fracture energy of paste or mortar after hardening is preferably notless than 10 KJ/m², and more preferably not less than 20 KJ/m², providedthat the organic fibers and/or the carbon fibers, or the metallic fibersare blended.

The method for mixing paste or mortar of the hydraulic composition ofthe present invention is not particularly limited. For example, one ofthe following methods can be adopted.

(a) A method where materials except water and the water reducing agent(i.e. the cement, the fine particles, the in organic particles and theaggregates) are blended for preparing a premixed material, and then theobtained premixed material, water and the water reducing agent arethrown into a mixer and mixed.

(b) A method where after preparing a powdery water reducing agent,materials except water (i.e. the cement, the fine particles, theinorganic particles, the aggregates, and the water reducing agent) areblended for preparing a premixed material, and then the obtainedpremixed material and water are thrown into a mixer and mixed.

(c) A method where each of all the materials is thrown into a mixerindividually and mixed.

The mixer used for mixing may be any type of mixer used for mixingordinary concrete. Examples of the mixer include a swing-type mixer, apan-type mixer, a biaxial mixer, and the like. Also, the method forcuring the hydraulic composition is note specially limited. Examples ofthe curing method include air curing, steam curing, and the like.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained by experimentalExamples.

(A) Examples where One Kind of Inorganic Particles are Used, and theMetallic Fibers are Used or not Used

[1. Materials to be Used]

Following materials were used herein.

-   (1) Cement; A: Ordinary portland cement (manufactured by TAIHEIYO    CEMENT Corp.; Blaine specific surface area: 3,300 cm²/g)    -   Cement; B: Low-heat portland cement (manufactured by TAIHEIYO        CEMENT Corp.; Blaine specific surface area: 3,200 cm²/g)-   (2) Fine Particles; A: Silica fume (BET specific surface area: 10    m²/g).    -   Fine Particles; B: Silica fume (BET specific surface area: 22        m²/g)-   (3) Inorganic particles; Slag powder A (Blaine specific surface    area: 4,500 cm²/g)    -   Slag powder B (Blaine specific surface area: 15,000 cm²/g)    -   Quartz powder (Blaine specific surface area: 7,500 cm²/g)    -   Limestone powder (Blaine specific surface area: 8,000 cm²/g)-   (4) Aggregates; Sand A (Silica sand; Maximum diameter: 0.6 mm, The    amount of particles having a diameter of no larger than 75 μm: 0.3    weight %)    -   Sand B (Silica sand; Maximum diameter: 0.6 mm, The amount of        particles having a diameter of no larger than 75 um: 1.5 weight        %)    -   Sand C (Diameter: 3.5 mm, Maximum diameter: 4.0 mm)-   (5) Metallic fibers; Steel fibers (Diameter: 0.2 mm, Length: 13 mm)-   (6) Organic fibers; Vinylon fibers (Diameter: 0.3 mm, Length: 13 mm)-   (7) Water reducing agent; Air entraining and high range water    reducing agent which contains polycarboxylic acid derivatives-   (8) Water; Tap Water

The amounts of the above materials to be blended in Examples 1-21 andComparative Examples 1-5 are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 cement fine particles inorganic particles sand water reducingmetallic organic A B A B slag A slag B quartz limestone A B C agent *1water fibers *2 fibers *3 Examples  1 100 25 30 115 0.9 25 4  2 100 2836 126 1.2 27 4  3 100 23 26 104 0.8 23 4  4 100 30 26 110 1.2 23 3  5100 31.5 28 106 0.9 22 4  6 100 26 20 106 1.1 26 4  7 100 30 25 120 1.025 4  8 100 28 39 104 1.2 26 4  9 100 20 30 120 0.8 23 4 10 100 20 23110 0.9 22 4 11 100 35 32 105 1.2 26 4 12 100 31.5 28 106 1.0 24 2 13100 20 30 120 1.2 26 4 14 100 30 23 110 1.6 28 4 15 100 30 39 104 0.6 2216 100 30 39 104 0.6 22 2 17 100 23 39 103 0.9 23 2 18 100 30 39 104 1.223 2 19 100 30 39 104 0.3 26 2 20 100 25 26 104 0.5 26 4 21 100 23 39103 0.9 23 2 2 Compara- tive Examples  1 100 42 110 1.2 26 4  2 100 2860 105 0.9 25 4  3 100 15 100 1.0 24.5 2  4 100 15 100 1.0 24.5  5 10023 39 103 0.9 23 2 *1 The amount of a water reducing agent is expressedin terms of solid content. *2 The amount of metallic fibers is shown asvolume % in a mixed material. *3 The amount of organic fibers is shownas volume % in a mixed material.[2. Preparation and Evaluation of Mortar]

Each of the materials was thrown into a biaxial mixer individually.After mixing, physical properties both before hardening and afterhardening were measured and evaluated as follows.

(1) Flow Value

Flow value was determined by the method prescribed in “JIS R 5201(Physical Testing Methods for Cements) 11. Flow Test” where 15-timesdropping motion is omitted.

(2) 200 mm Reaching Time

In the above-mentioned Flow Test, the time for reaching 200 mm withregard to flow value was measured.

(3) Compressive Strength

Each of the mixed materials was flown into a mold having a size ofΦ50×100 mm and was kept at 20° C. for 48 hours. After that, each of thematerials was steam-cured at 90° C. for 48 hours for making hardenedbodies (three pieces). Then, compressive strength of each of the threehardened bodies was measured by the method prescribed in “JIS A 1108(Compressive Strength Testing Method for Concrete)”. The values ofcompressive strength shown in Tables described below are the averagevalues of the measured values (i.e. the average value of three pieces)

(4) Bending Strength

Each of the mixed materials was flown into a mold having a size of4×4×16 cm and was kept at 20° C. for 48 hours. After that, the materialwas steam-cured at 90° C. for 48 hours for making hardened bodies (threepieces). Then, bending strength of each of the three hardened bodies wasmeasured by the method prescribed in “JIS R5201 (Physical TestingMethods for Cements)”. The loading test was done in a condition in whichthere were four-fulcrum points including two points having a space of 12cm as lower fulcrums and two points having a space of 4 cm as upperfulcrums. The values of bending strength shown in Tables described beloware the average values of the measured values (i.e. the average value ofthree pieces).

(5) Fracture Energy

Fracture energy was determined by dividing an integration value, whichis a integrated value of load and load point displacement during thetime that the load is lowered from the maximum load to ⅓ of the maximumload, by the cross section of the test piece. The value of “load pointdisplacement” is a crosshead displacement value measured by a bendingtest machine.

The results are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Flow 200 mm Bending Fracture Value Reaching Compressive StrengthEnergy (mm) Time (sec) Strength (MPa) (MPa) (KJ/m²) Examples  1 258 9.5220 43 63  2 256 9.4 210 45  3 252 8.5 225 45  4 256 8.6 210 46  5 2608.7 215 42  6 255 8.6 216 43  7 256 8.3 213 52  8 256 9.3 215 43 61  9257 8.8 217 43 10 251 8.3 206 40 11 256 7.9 208 42 12 260 8.6 221 50 13257 8.3 215 56 14 256 8.6 216 41 15 255 9.5 230 26 2 16 255 9.6 235 4517 252 9.6 210 42 61 18 248 9.8 200 42 19 265 9.5 190 35 20 256 9.3 22542 21 250 9.9 185 41 59 Comparative Examples  1 135 — 140 29  2 190 —198 30  3 185 — 175 35  4 200 — 170 24 2  5 255 6.9 195 35 48

As shown in Table 2, the hydraulic compositions (Examples 1-21) of thepresent invention have a self-filling property (i.e. good flow value and200 mm reaching time) and excellent mechanical properties (i.e.compressive strength and bending strength). On the contrary, thehydraulic compositions of Comparative Examples 1-4 have low flow valuesand the like, and do not exhibit a self-filling property.

(B) Examples where Two Kinds of Inorganic Particles are Used, and theMetallic Fibers are Used or not Used.

[1. Materials to be Used]

Following materials were used.

-   (1) Cement; A: Ordinary portland cement (manufactured by TAIHEIYO    CEMENT Corp.; Blaine specific surface area: 3,300 cm²/g)    -   Cement; B: Low-heat portland cement (manufactured by TAIHEIYO        CEMENT Corp.; Blaine specific surface area: 3,200 cm²/g)-   (2) Fine Particles; A: Silica fume (BET specific surface area: 1    m²/g),    -   Fine Particles; B: Silica fume (BET specific surface area: 21        m²/g)-   (3) Inorganic particles (C1); Slag powder A (Blaine specific surface    area: 6,000 cm²/g)    -   Slag powder B (Blaine specific surface area: 15,000 cm²/g)    -   Quartz powder (Blaine specific surface area: 8,000 cm²/g)    -   Limestone powder (Blaine specific surface area: 10,000 cm²/g)-   (4) Inorganic particles (C2); Slag powder A (Blaine specific surface    area: 4,500 cm²/g)    -   Quartz powder (Blaine specific surface area: 4,000 cm²/g)    -   Limestone powder A (Blaine specific surface area: 3,800 cm²/g)    -   Limestone powder B (Blaine specific surface area: 2,600 cm²/g)-   (5) Aggregates; Silica sand A (Maximum diameter: 0.6 mm,    -   The amount of particles having a diameter of no larger than 75        μm: 0.35 weight %)    -   Silica sand B (Maximum diameter: 0.6 mm,    -   The amount of particles having a diameter of no larger than 7-5        μm: 1.2 weight %)    -   Silica sand C (Maximum diameter: 0.6 mm,    -   The amount of particles having a diameter of no larger than 75        μm: 2.9 weight %)-   (6) Metallic fibers; Steel fibers (Diameter: 0.2 mm, Length: 13 mm)-   (7) Organic fibers; Vinylon fibers    -   (Diameter: 0.3 mm, Length: 13 mm)-   (8) Water reducing agent; Air entraining and high range water    reducing agent which contains polycarboxylic acid derivatives-   (9) Water; Tap Water

The amounts of the above materials to be blended in Examples 22-42 areshown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 cement fine particles inorganic particles A inorganic particlesB Examples A B A B slag A slag B quartz limestone slag quartz limestoneA limestone B 22 100 23 26 13 23 100 30 26 13 24 100 31.5 28 17 25 10020 30 21 26 100 20 23 22 27 100 26 20 25 28 100 30 25 25 29 100 31.5 2817 30 100 20 30 21 31 100 30 23 22 32 100 28 25 15 33 100 35 32 20 34100 32.2 26 13 35 100 32.2 26 13 36 100 23 22 22 37 100 32.2 26 13 38100 32.2 26 13 39 100 23 22 22 40 100 12.5 15 10 41 100 32.2 26 13 42100 32.2 26 13 silica sand Examples A B C water reducing agent *1 watermetallic fibers *2 organic fibers *3 22 110 0.8 23 4 23 106 0.8 22 3 24120 0.9 22 4 25 110 0.8 22 4 26 105 0.8 25 4 27 120 1.1 27 4 28 106 1.025 4 29 120 1.0 24 2 30 120 1.2 26 4 31 110 1.6 28 3 32 104 1.1 23 4 33106 1.2 25 4 34 104 1.5 22.7 35 104 0.8 22 36 104 0.9 23 37 104 1.5 22.72 38 104 0.8 22 2 39 104 0.9 23.5 2 40 0.5 22.5 41 104 0.3 26 2 42 1040.8 22 2 2 *1 The amount of a water reducing agent is expressed in termsof solid content. *2 The amount of metallic fibers is shown as volume %in a mixed material. *3 The amount of organic fibers is shown as volume% in a mixed material.[2. Preparation and Evaluation of Mortar and Paste]

Each of materials was thrown into a biaxial mixer individually andmixed. After mixing, the properties of the hydraulic composition bothafter hardening and before hardening were measured and evaluated in thesame way as described above. The results are shown in Table 4.

TABLE 4 200 mm Bending Fracture Flow Value Reaching Compressive StrengthEnergy Examples (mm) Time (sec) Strength (MPa) (MPa) (KJ/m²) 22 282 7.9220 47 65 23 272 8.3 198 37 52 24 280 7.6 230 35 25 283 7.8 225 40 26275 8.1 210 46 27 272 8.0 220 40 28 285 9.2 215 32 29 270 8.9 220 38 30276 8.2 240 36 31 275 8.3 220 49 32 270 8.8 215 35 33 270 8.2 215 45 6434 260 9.3 230 28 35 295 7.5 230 29 2 36 285 8.7 215 27 37 257 9.5 23044 38 295 7.7 230 44 63 39 285 8.5 205 43 63 40 275 8.9 218 27 41 2858.3 190 35 42 268 9.5 185 40 57

As shown in Table 4, the hydraulic compositions (Examples 22-42) of thepresent invention have high fluidity, a self-filling property, andexcellent mechanical strength (i.e. compressive strength, bendingstrength and the like).

Especially, the hydraulic compositions of Examples 22-33, 35-36 and38-41, which include particles having a size of no larger than 75 μm inan amount of no larger than 2 weight %, have extremely excellentfluidity (i.e. flow value of at least 270 mm).

(C) Examples where a Single Kind of Inorganic Particles are Used, andthe Organic Fibers and/or the Carbon Fibers are Used

[1. Materials to be Used]

Following materials were used.

-   (1) Cement; A: Ordinary portland cement (manufactured by TAIHEIYO    CEMENT Corp.; Blaine specific surface area: 3,300 cm²/g)    -   Cement; B: Low-heat portland cement (manufactured by TAIHEIYO        CEMENT Corp.; Blaine specific surface area: 3,200 cm²/g)-   (2) Fine Particles; A: Silica fume (BET specific surface area: 11    m²/g),    -   Fine Particles; B: Silica fume (BET specific surface area: 21        m²/g)-   (3) Inorganic particles; Slag powder A (Blaine specific surface    area: 4,500 cm²/g)    -   Slag powder B (Blaine specific surface area: 15,000 cm²/g)    -   Limestone powder (Blaine specific surface area: 8,000 cm²/g)    -   Quartz powder (Blaine specific surface area: 7,500 cm²/g)-   (4) Aggregates; Silica sand A (Maximum diameter: 0.6 mm,    -   The amount of particles having a diameter of no larger than 75        μm: 0.3 weight %)    -   Silica sand B (Maximum diameter: 0.6 mm,    -   The amount of particles having a diameter of no larger than 75        μm: 1.5 weight %)    -   Silica sand C (Maximum diameter: 0.6 mm,    -   The amount of particles having a diameter of no larger than 75        μm: 2.6 weight %)-   (5) Organic fibers; Vinylon fibers    -   (Diameter: 0.3 mm, Length: 13 mm)    -   Aramid fibers    -   (Diameter: 0.3 Mm, Length: 13 Mm)-   (6) Water reducing agent; Air entraining and high range water    reducing agent which contains polycarboxylic acid derivatives-   (7) Water; Tap Water

The amounts of the above materials to be blended in Examples 43-62 areshown in Table 5.

TABLE 5 cement fine particles inorganic particles silica sand waterreducing organic fibers *2 Examples A B A B slag A slag B quartzlimestone A B C agent *1 water vinylon aramid 43 100 25 30 115 0.9 25 444 100 28 36 126 1.2 27 4 45 100 23 26 104 0.8 23 4 46 100 30 26 110 1.223 3 47 100 31.5 28 106 0.9 22 4 48 100 26 20 106 1.1 26 4 49 100 30 25120 1.0 25 4 50 100 28 39 104 1.2 26 4 51 100 20 30 120 0.8 23 3 52 10020 23 110 0.9 22 8 53 100 35 32 105 1.2 26 4 54 100 31.5 28 106 1.0 24 255 100 20 30 120 1.2 26 4 56 100 30 23 110 1.6 28 7 57 100 30 39 104 0.622 4 58 100 30 39 104 0.6 22 4 59 100 23 39 103 0.9 23 4 60 100 30 39104 1.2 23 4 61 100 30 39 104 0.3 26 4 62 100 26 104 0.5 26 4 *1 Theamount of a water reducing agent is expressed in terms of solid content.*2 The amount of organic fibers is shown as volume % in a mixedmaterial.[2. Preparation and Evaluation of Mortar]

Each of the materials was thrown into a biaxial mixer individually.After mixing, the properties of the hydraulic composition both afterhardening and before hardening were measured and evaluated in the sameway as described above. The results are shown in Table 6.

TABLE 6 200 mm Bending Fracture Flow Value Reaching Compressive StrengthEnergy Examples (mm) Time (sec) Strength (MPa) (MPa) (KJ/m²) 43 268 9.3155 21 31 44 256 9.2 156 27 32 45 254 9.8 154 24 32 46 265 8.9 168 22 3447 267 8.6 159 21 32 48 250 9.2 153 26 32 49 256 9.3 150 23 33 50 2668.8 152 25 33 51 255 9.6 152 23 35 52 260 9.3 131 25 36 53 251 9.6 15224 34 54 264 9.4 174 22 31 55 252 9.3 151 22 30 56 258 9.6 135 25 32 57252 9.5 151 28 35 58 252 9.6 155 25 34 59 250 9.7 150 27 32 60 245 9.8148 26 35 61 263 9.2 141 25 36 62 266 9.2 151 23 30

As shown in Table 6, the hydraulic compositions (Examples 43-62) of thepresent invention have a self-filling property (good flow value and 200mm reaching time) and excellent mechanical properties (i.e. compressivestrength, bending strength and fracture energy).

(D) Examples where Two Kinds of Inorganic Particles are Used, and theOrganic Fibers and/or the Carbon Fibers are Used

[1. Materials to be used]

Following materials were used.

-   (1) Cement; A: Ordinary portland cement (manufactured by TAIHEIYO    CEMENT Corp.; Blaine specific surface area: 3,300 cm²/g)    -   Cement; B: Low-heat portland cement (manufactured by TAIHEIYO        CEMENT Corp.; Blaine specific surface area: 3,200 cm²/g)-   (2) Fine Particles; A: Silica fume (BET specific surface area: 11    m²/g)    -   Fine Particles; B: Silica fume (BET specific surface area: 21        m²/g)-   (3) Inorganic particles (C1); Slag powder A (Blaine specific surface    area: 6,000 cm²/g)    -   Slag powder B (Blaine specific surface area: 15,000 cm²/g)    -   Quartz powder (Blaine specific surface area: 8,000 cm²/g)    -   Limestone powder (Blaine specific surface area: 10,000 cm²/g)-   (4) Inorganic particles (C2); Slag powder A (Blaine specific surface    area: 4,500 cm²/g)    -   Quartz powder (Blaine specific surface area: 4,000 cm²/g)    -   Limestone powder A (Blaine specific surface area: 3,800 cm²/g)    -   Limestone powder B (Blaine specific area: 2,600 cm²/g)-   (5) Aggregates; Silica sand A (Maximum diameter: 0.6 mm, The amount    of particles having a diameter of no larger than 75 μm: 0.35 weight    %)    -   Silica sand B (Maximum diameter: 0.6 mm,    -   The amount of particles having a diameter of no larger than 75        μm: 1.2 weight %)    -   Silica sand C (Maximum diameter: 0.6 mm,    -   The amount of particles having a diameter of no larger than 75        μm: 2.9 weight %)-   (6) Organic fibers; Vinylon fibers    -   (Diameter: 0.3 mm, Length: 13 mm)    -   Aramid fibers    -   (Diameter: 0.25 Mm, Length: 15 Mm)-   (7) Water reducing agent; Air entraining and high range water    reducing agent which contains polycarboxylic acid derivatives-   (8) Water; Tap Water

The amounts of the above materials to be blended in Examples 63-82 areshown in Table 7.

TABLE 7 cement fine particles inorganic particles A inorganic particlesB Examples A B A B slag A slag B quartz limestone slag quartz limestoneA limestone B 63 100 25 23 30 64 100 28 35 10 65 100 23 26 13 66 100 3026 13 67 100 31.5 28 17 68 100 20 30 21 69 100 20 23 22 70 100 26 20 2571 100 30 25 25 72 100 31.5 28 17 73 100 20 30 21 74 100 30 23 22 75 10028 25 15 76 100 35 32 20 77 100 32.2 26 13 78 100 32.2 26 13 79 100 32.226 13 80 100 23 22 22 81 100 12.5 15 10 82 100 32.2 26 13 silica sandorganic fibers *2 Examples A B C water reducing agent *1 water vinylonaramid 63 126 0.9 25 4 64 104 1.1 27 4 65 110 1.2 23 4 66 106 0.8 23 367 120 0.9 24 4 68 110 0.8 23 3 69 105 1.2 25 8 70 120 0.9 27 4 71 1060.8 25 4 72 120 0.9 24 2 73 120 0.9 26 4 74 110 0.9 24 7 75 104 1.1 26 476 106 0.9 25 4 77 104 0.8 22 4 78 104 1.5 23 4 79 104 0.8 22 4 80 1040.9 24 4 81 0.5 23 4 82 104 0.3 26 4 *1 The amount of a water reducingagent is expressed in terms of solid content. *2 The amount of organicfibers is shown as volume % in a mixed material.[2. Preparation and Evaluation of Mortar and Paste]

Each of the materials was thrown into a biaxial mixer individually.After mixing, the properties of the hydraulic composition both afterhardening and before hardening were measured and evaluated in the sameway as described above. The results are shown in Table 8.

TABLE 8 200 mm Bending Fracture Flow Value Reaching Compressive StrengthEnergy Examples (mm) Time (sec) Strength (MPa) (MPa) (KJ/m²) 63 282 7.3159 23 30 64 273 9.3 152 21 31 65 283 7.6 159 27 30 66 270 8.5 153 26 2667 279 7.5 153 28 35 68 280 7.9 156 29 32 69 276 8.1 140 29 36 70 2738.2 159 23 33 71 285 7.9 149 23 30 72 271 7.9 149 22 36 73 275 7.6 15023 32 74 273 7.6 150 23 33 75 271 8.9 156 21 32 76 271 8.0 156 28 32 77291 7.5 157 28 31 78 255 9.7 160 28 30 79 292 7.7 158 25 35 80 283 8.5141 27 32 81 272 9.0 149 25 30 82 281 8.0 140 24 29

As shown in Table 8, the hydraulic compositions of Examples 63-82 havehigh fluidity enough to have a self-filling property, and excellentmechanical strength (i.e. compressive strength, bending strength andfracture energy).

Especially, the hydraulic compositions of Examples 63-77 and 79-82,which include particles having a size of no larger than 75 μm in anamount of no larger than 2 weight %, have extremely excellent fluidity(i.e. flow value of at least 270 mm).

1. A hydraulic composition which includes: (A) 100 parts by weight ofcement having a Blaine specific surface area of 2,500 to 5,000 cm²/g;(B) 10 to 40 parts by weight of fine particles having a BET specificsurface area of 5 to 25 m²/g; (C) 15 to 55 parts by weight of inorganicparticles having a Blaine specific surface area which is 2,500 to 30,000cm²/g and the surface area of the inorganic particles is larger thanthat of the cement, the inorganic particles including 10 to 50 parts byweight of inorganic particles (C1) having a Blaine specific surface areaof 5,000 to 30,000 cm²/g, and 5 to 35 parts by weight of inorganicparticles (C2) having a Blaine specific surface area of 2,500 to 5,000cm²/g; a water reducing agent; and water, wherein the inorganicparticles (C1) have a Blaine specific surface area larger than those ofthe cement and the inorganic particles (C2), and the difference ofBlaine specific surface area between the cement and the inorganicparticles (C2) is not less than 100 cm²/g.
 2. The hydraulic compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein the inorganic particles (C1) have a Blainespecific surface area larger than those of the cement particle and theinorganic particles B by 1,000 cm²/g or more.
 3. The hydrauliccomposition according to claim 1 which further includes aggregates Dhaving a particle diameter of no larger than 2 nm in an amount of nolarger than 130 parts by weight.
 4. The hydraulic composition accordingto claim 1 which further includes metallic fibers.
 5. The hydrauliccomposition according to claim 1 which includes organic fibers and/orcarbon fibers.
 6. The hydraulic composition according to claim 1,wherein the hydraulic composition has a flow value of no less than 230mm before hardening, and has compressive strength of no less than 130MPa and bending strength of no less than 15 MPa after hardening.
 7. Thehydraulic composition according to claim 1, which has fracture energy ofno less than 10 KJ/m² after hardening.
 8. The hydraulic compositionaccording to claim 3, wherein no more than 2.0 weight % of theaggregates D include particles having a particle size of no larger than75 μm.
 9. The hydraulic composition according to claim 3, wherein thehydraulic composition has a flow value of no less than 230 mm beforehardening, and has compressive strength of no less than 130 MPa andbending strength of no less than 15 MPa after hardening.
 10. Thehydraulic composition according to claim 3 which has fracture energy ofno less than 10 KJ/m² after hardening.